Enclosed boat trailer

ABSTRACT

An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be configured to allow loading of a boat in the water for the purpose of removing the boat from the water using the enclosed boat trailer to engage the boat for storage and/or transportation. An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be comprised of a roller system positioned on the floor and a right and left rear arm adjacent a rear opening in the enclosed boat trailer. In an illustrative method of use, a boat operator may load and/or unload the boat into the water from the enclosed boat trailer without leaving the boat and without additional personnel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present nonprovisional patent application claims priority from andis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/157,581 filedon Jan. 25, 2021, which application claimed priority from provisionalU.S. Pat. App. Nos. 62/965,135 filed on Jan. 23, 2020; 63/055,105 filedon Jul. 22, 2020; and 63/113,705 filed on Nov. 13, 2020, all of whichpatent applications are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to create or develop the invention herein.

Reference to Sequence Listing, a Table, or a Computer Program ListingCompact Disk Appendix

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain and illustrate the principles of theenclosed boat trailer as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of anenclosed boat trailer with the rear doors in an open position.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of theenclosed boat trailer shown in FIG. 1A with a portion of the wall androof removed to show the interior of the enclosed boat trailer.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of theenclosed boat trailer with a differently configured roller system.

FIG. 2A is a rear view of the illustrative embodiment of an enclosedboat trailer shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B with the rear doors open.

FIG. 2B is another rear view of the illustrative embodiment of anenclosed boat trailer shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B with the rear doors openand a boat positioned in the enclosed boat trailer.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boattrailer from FIG. 1B showing general layout of an illustrativeembodiment of a roller system.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boattrailer from FIG. 1C showing general layout of an illustrativeembodiment of a roller system.

FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the illustrativeembodiment of a roller system.

FIG. 5 is another detailed perspective view of a portion of theillustrative embodiment of a roller system toward the rear portionthereof.

FIG. 6 is another detailed perspective view of a portion of theillustrative embodiment of a roller system toward the front portionthereof.

FIG. 7 is another detailed perspective view of a portion of theillustrative embodiment of a roller system toward the rear portionthereof showing the rear arms adjacent the rear opening of the enclosedboat trailer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a winchthat may be used with various embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer.

FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of alaunch assist system that may be used with various embodiments of theenclosed boat trailer.

FIG. 10 is another detailed perspective view of an illustrativeembodiment of a launch assist system that may be used with variousembodiments of the enclosed boat trailer.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of reararms that may be used with various embodiments of the enclosed boattrailer with the rear arms retracted.

FIGS. 11B & 11C are perspective views of an illustrative embodiment ofrear arms shown in FIG. 11A with the rear arms extended in thehorizontal dimension, wherein the contact portions are shown in FIG.11C.

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of theillustrative embodiment of rear arms shown in FIGS. 11A-11C with a boatpositioned therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Element Description Element Number Enclosed Boat Trailer 10 Floor 11Wall 12 Roof 13 Rear opening 14 Wheel 15 Rear door 16 Forward door 17Boat 18 Boat hull  18a Launch Assist System 20 Arm 21 Biasing member 77Wheel 24 Motor 26 Roller system 30 Roller pair 31 Roller wheel  31aRoller axle  31b Roller mounting beam 32 Mounting beam rocker  32aCentral roller 33 Lower plate 34 Cross plate  34a Coupling member 35First yoke  35a Second yoke  35b Lower support base 36 U-bolt 37 U-boltplate 38 Right rear arm  40a Left rear arm  40b Horizontal portion 42Horizontal extender  42a Upper portion 44 Upper extender  44a Contactportion 46 Winch 40 Spool 42 Cable 44

Before the present methods and apparatuses are disclosed and described,it is to be understood that the methods and apparatuses are not limitedto specific methods, specific components, or to particularimplementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments/aspectsonly and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specificationand the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Rangesmay be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to“about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed,another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to theother particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

“Aspect” when referring to a method, apparatus, and/or component thereofdoes not mean that limitation, functionality, component etc. referred toas an aspect is required, but rather that it is one part of a particularillustrative disclosure and not limiting to the scope of the method,apparatus, and/or component thereof unless so indicated in the followingclaims.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and apparatuses. These and other components are disclosedherein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets,interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that whilespecific reference of each various individual and collectivecombinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed,each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methodsand apparatuses. This applies to all aspects of this applicationincluding, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, ifthere are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it isunderstood that each of these additional steps can be performed with anyspecific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosedmethods.

The present methods and apparatuses may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred aspects andthe examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous andfollowing description. Corresponding terms may be used interchangeablywhen referring to generalities of configuration and/or correspondingcomponents, aspects, features, functionality, methods and/or materialsof construction, etc. those terms.

It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangements ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is tobe understood that phraseology and terminology used herein withreference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, termslike “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) areonly used to simplify description, and do not alone indicate or implythat the device or element referred to must have a particularorientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third”are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of descriptionand are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance orsignificance.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A & 1B provide perspective viewsof an illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer 10, which maybe configured to be supported by a plurality of wheels 15 for towing bya primary mover. As shown in FIG. 1B, a portion of the roof andright-side wall are removed to show an interior portion of the enclosedboat trailer 10. Another illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boattrailer 10 is shown in FIG. 1C, wherein the illustrative embodiment inFIG. 1B has a differently configured roller system 30 compared to thatshown in FIG. 1C as described in further detail below.

Generally, the illustrative embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer 10may be backed into or near a body of water for loading and/or unloadinga boat 18 into the enclosed boat trailer 10. The enclosed boat trailer10 may be configured with wide-opening, side-hinged rear doors 16 at arear opening 14 and a roller system 30 (which may be moveable andresponsive to contact with the boat hull 18 a) engaged with a portion ofthe floor 11 of the enclosed boat trailer 10 such that the boat 18operator may directly drive a boat 18 from the water into the enclosedboat trailer 10 without assistance from another individual. Theillustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer 10 may also beconfigured with a forward door adjacent a front portion of the enclosedboat trailer 10. It is contemplated that a forward door 17 may allowrelatively easy access to an interior portion of the enclosed boattrailer 10 even when a boat 18 positioned therein.

The illustrative embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer 10 may alsoallow a boat 18 operator to unload a boat 18 from the trailer whileinside the boat 18 and without assistance from another individual,and/or in less time and/or with less effort than compared to trailersfound in the prior art. The additional time and/or personnel requiredwhen using prior art trailers may be at least due to the prior arttrailer requiring a single operator to get in and out of the boat 18various times to properly align the boat 18 with the trailer, engage thecable with the boat 18, operate the winch, manual move the boat 18 withrespect to the trailer, etc. without limitation unless otherwiseindicated in the following claims. Although the illustrative embodimentsof an enclosed boat trailer 10 may be configured to accommodate a boat18 that is approximately eight feet wide, other configurations,dimensions, etc. to accommodate differently sized, shaped, and/orconfigured boats 18 without limitation unless otherwise indicated in thefollowing claims. The scope of the enclosed boat trailer 10 is notlimited to any specific advantage over prior art boat trailers and/orshortfall of prior art boat trailers unless otherwise indicated in thefollowing claims.

Generally, the various components of an enclosed boat trailer 10 for theillustrative embodiments thereof described in detail below (e.g., winch14, launch assist system 20, roller system 30, structures and/or methodsfor engaging the roller system 30 with the floor 11, rear arms 40 a, 40b, etc.) may be modular in nature such that an existing enclosed trailerof the proper dimensions and/or specifications may be converted to anenclosed boat trailer 10. Alternatively, a trailer may be configured asan enclosed boat trailer 10 initially during the manufacturing of thetrailer itself without limitation unless otherwise indicated in thefollowing claims. Accordingly, the scope of the enclosed boat trailer 10is not limited to retrofit kits, original equipment, etc. unlessotherwise indicated by the following claims, and the optimalconfiguration of the enclosed boat trailer 10 and various componentsthereof (e.g., winch 14, launch assist system 20, roller system 30,structures and/or methods for engaging the roller system 30 with thefloor 11, rear arms 40 a, 40 b, etc.) will vary from one application tothe next and may be dependent on whether the enclosed boat trailer 10 isfrom a retrofit of an existing trailer or configured as such from thefactory.

Referring still to FIGS. 1A & 1B (and also FIGS. 2A, 2B, & 3A), anillustrative embodiment of a roller system 30 that may be used withvarious embodiments of an enclosed boat trailer 10 are shown in moredetail. A second illustrative embodiment of a roller system 30 is shownin FIGS. 1C and 3B, wherein various components of the roller system 30are shared between the two illustrative embodiments. However, thespecific configuration, number, and/or arrangement of certain componentsof the roller system 30 may vary from one embodiment of an enclosed boattrailer 10 to the next, and are therefore in no way limiting to thescope of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated in thefollowing claims.

As shown, a portion of the bottom surface of the enclosed boat trailer10 may be configured with a plurality of roller pairs 31 and centralrollers 33 extending from the rear adjacent the rear doors 16 forwardsuch that the roller system 30 covers over half the length of the floor11 of the enclosed boat trailer 10. The roller system 30 may beconfigured with opposing rows or roller pairs 31 such that there is anapproximate line of symmetry fore-to-aft along the centerline of theroller system 30 when viewed as shown in FIG. 3 and left-to-right whenviewed as shown in FIGS. 2A & 2B. It is contemplated that during use,one roller pair 31 in the first row of roller pairs 31 will engage afirst side of the boat hull 18 a and a corresponding roller pair 31 inthe second row of roller pairs 31 will engage a second side of the boathull 18 a at the same or approximately the same lengthwise position onthe boat hull 18 a as the first roller pair 31. In other illustrativeembodiments of the enclosed boat trailer 10 not pictured herein, theroller system 30 may be configured differently than roller pairs 31arranged in opposing rows and may instead be configured merely asopposing rollers without limitation unless otherwise indicated in thefollowing claims.

The optimal configuration and/or dimensions of the roller system 30(e.g., width, length, distance from rear doors 16, number of rollerpairs 31, number of center rollers 33, number of roller pairs 31 engagedwith a given roller mounting beam 32, rows, distance from the front ofthe enclosed boat trailer 10, etc.) will vary from one application ofthe enclosed boat trailer 10 to the next, and depend at least in part onthe type, size, and configuration of the boat 18 to be positioned in theenclosed boat trailer 10. Accordingly, the scope of the enclosed boattrailer 10 is not limited by the specific configuration and/ordimensions of the roller system 30 unless otherwise indicated in thefollowing claims.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, the illustrative embodiments of a rollersystem 30 may be comprised of a plurality of roller pairs 31, whereineach roller pair 31 may include two roller wheels 31 a on opposite endsof a roller axle 31 b. The roller wheels 31 a may be free to rotate withrespect to the roller axle 31 b. The roller axle 31 b may be pivotallyengaged with a roller mounting beam 32, and a single roller mountingbeam 32 may provide an engagement point for a plurality of roller axles31 b. Generally, the roller axle 31 b may pivot with respect to theroller mounting beam 32 in such a manner as to account for apredetermined amount of rolling motion and/or roll misalignment of aboat 18 with respect to the enclosed boat trailer 10, and it may alsoaccount for a predetermined amount of yaw motion and/or yawmisalignment, but the specific configuration, the amount and/ordirection of relative motion and/or misalignment between the boat 18 andthe enclosed boat trailer 10 accommodated, and/or pivotal limits betweenthe roller axle 31 b and roller mounting beam 32 are in no way limitingunless otherwise indicated in the following claims.

As shown, in an illustrative embodiment the two rearward roller mountingbeams 32 may be engaged with six roller pairs 31 (and consequently sixroller axles 31 b) generally placed in relatively close proximity to oneanother along the length of the roller mounting beam 32. In FIG. 6, theillustrative embodiment of the two forwardmost roller mounting beams 32may be engaged with two roller pairs 31 (and consequently two rolleraxles 31 b), wherein each roller pair 31 is generally placed at eitherend of the roller mounting beam 32. The two forwardmost roller mountingbeams 32 may also be spaced from one another by a distance less than thecorresponding distance between corresponding roller mounting beams 32positioned more rearwardly. Such a configuration may allow the rollerpairs 31 toward the front of the enclosed boat trailer 10 to betteraccommodate portions of the boat hull 18 a adjacent the bow and rollerpairs 31 toward the rear of the enclosed boat trailer 10 to betteraccommodate portions of the boat hull 18 a adjacent the stern withoutlimitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more roller axles 31 may beengaged with a roller mounting beam 32 via a mounting beam rocker, asshown at least in FIG. 5. The mounting beam rocker 32 may be pivotallyengaged with the roller mounting beam 32 in a manner to account for adetermined amount of pitching motion and/or pitch misalignment of a boat18 with respect to the enclosed boat trailer 10. Finally, the rollermounting beam 32 may be engaged with the floor 11 of the enclosed boattrailer 10 such that it is pivotal with respect to the enclosed boattrailer 10 and in such a manner to account for a determined amount ofpitching motion and/or pitch misalignment of a boat 18 with respect tothe enclosed boat trailer 10. However, the specific configuration, theamount and/or direction of relative motion and/or misalignment betweenthe boat 18 and the enclosed boat trailer 10 accommodated, and/orpivotal limits between the mounting beam rocker 32 a and roller mountingbeam 32 and/or between the roller mounting beam 32 and floor 11 of theenclosed boat trailer 10 are in no way limiting unless otherwiseindicated in the following claims.

The roller system 30 may also include one or more central rollers 33. Itis contemplated that a central roller 33 may be configured to engage akeel formed in the boat hull 18 a. A first central roller 33 may bepositioned at the rear of the enclosed boat trailer 10 just forward ofthe rear opening 14 and may be positioned as low to the floor 11 aspossible, as the rearward central roller 33 may serve as the firstcontact point of the boat 18 with any portion of the enclosed boattrailer 10 during loading. That central roller 33 may serve as a guidefor the boat 18 when loading the boat 18 onto the enclosed boat trailer10 and may help to ensure proper positioning between the boat 18 andenclosed boat trailer 10 and/or help to protect the keel or otherportions of the boat hull 18 a without limitation unless otherwiseindicated in the following claims. Another central roller 33 may bepositioned toward the front of the enclosed boat trailer 10 and may beelevated above the floor 11 and may also be configured to engage thekeel of the boat hull 18 a. In an illustrative embodiment, theforwardmost central roller 33 may be positioned adjacent a winch 40positioned toward a forward portion of the enclosed boat trailer 10.Additional or fewer central rollers 33, differently configured and/orpositioned central rollers 33, etc. may be used with the roller system10 without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the followingclaims.

Although a nearly infinite number of structures and/or methods forengaging a roller system 30 with the floor 11 of the enclosed boattrailer 10 may be used, an illustrative embodiment thereof will now bedescribed in detail with the understanding that the various detailsand/or components thereof are not to be regarded as limiting unlessotherwise indicated in the following claims. It is contemplated that formany applications it may be advantageous to configure the roller system30 to be as low-profile as possible so as to accommodate a relativelytaller boat 18 and/or to reduce the overall height of the enclosed boattrailer 10 without limitation unless otherwise indicated in thefollowing claims. It is further contemplated that an enclosed boattrailer 10 configured as such from the factory may use other structures,methods, and/or components to provide a roller system 30 on the floor 11of the enclosed boat trailer 10 than those described herein, and suchembodiments of an enclosed boat trailer 10 are within the scope of theenclosed boat trailer 10 unless otherwise indicated in the followingclaims.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 5 & 6, each roller support beam 32 maybe pivotally engaged with a lower support base 36, wherein the pivotpoint of the roller support beam 32 with respect to the lower supportbase 36 may be generally at the center of the roller support beam 32with respect to its length, but which may be differently configured inother embodiments of the enclosed trailer 10 without limitation unlessotherwise indicated in the following claims. A coupling member 35 may beconfigured to accommodate the pivotal engagement between a rollersupport beam 32 and a lower support base 36, wherein the lower supportbase 36 may be selected engaged with the floor 11 as described infurther detail below.

An illustrative embodiment of a coupling member 35 may be comprised of afirst yoke 35 a that engages a roller support beam 32 and generallyfaces upward and a second yoke 35 b that engages the lower support base36 and generally faces downward. The first yoke 35 a and second yoke 35b may be formed as one integral unit and may be rotationally offset fromone another by 90 degrees. The roller support beam 32 may be pivotallyengaged with the first yoke 35 a such that the pivot point between theroller support beam 32 and first yoke 35 a allows for a predeterminedamount of angular motion between the roller support beam 32 and couplingmember 35 (and consequently between the roller support beam 32 and lowersupport base 36 and between the roller support beam 32 and floor 11 ofthe enclosed boat trailer 10). The optimal amount of allowable relativemotion therebetween will vary from one application of enclosed boattrailer 10 to the next and is therefore in no way limiting to the scopethereof unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.Additionally, other structures and/or methods may be used to engage aroller support beam 32 with a lower support base 36 without limitationunless otherwise indicated in the following claims.

One or more lower plates 34 may be positioned on the floor 11 of theenclosed boat trailer 10, and each lower support base 36 may bepositioned on the upper surface of a lower plate 34. The lower plate 34may provide added rigidity, structural integrity, ease of use,longevity, or any other suitable purpose without limitation unlessotherwise indicated in the following claims. Cross plates 34 a may beengaged with various lower plates 34 along the length thereof foradditional support and/or structure integrity without limitation unlessotherwise indicated in the following claims. Generally, the lower plates34 and lower support bases 36 may be configured such that the opposingrows of roller pairs 31 may be adjusted to accommodate boats 18 havingdifferent dimensions and/or configurations. Accommodating for differentboat 18 and/or boat hull 18 a widths may be accomplished by adjustingthe lateral position of the lower support base 36 (i.e., the distance ofthe lower support base 36 from the centerline of the floor 11).

A U-bolt 37 may be positioned under the floor 11 with the studsextending through the floor 11 and on either side of the lower supportbase 36. A U-bolt plate 38 may be configured with correspondingapertures to accept the studs of the U-bolt 37, such that the lowersupport base 36 is effectively clamped to the floor 11 via the U-bolt 37and U-bolt plate 38. In the illustrative embodiments pictured herein,the lower support base 36 may be configured as a length of box-iron thatmay fit between the studs of the U-bolt 37. By loosening the U-boltplate 38, the lower support base 36 (and consequently any rollermounting beam 32, roller pair 31, coupling member 35, etc. engagedtherewith) may slide laterally along the floor 11 and with respect tothe lower plate 34, U-bolt 37, and U-bolt plate 38 to the desiredposition. When in the desired position, the U-bolt plate 38 may betightened to the lower support base 36 thereby securing the position ofthe lower support base 36 on the floor 11. As shown, an illustrativeembodiment of an enclosed boat trailer 10 may employ a plurality oflower support bases 36 and corresponding U-bolts 37 and U-bolt plates 38(one each, respectively, for each roller mounting beam 32), but thespecific number, position, configuration, etc. of those components isnot limiting unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.

Although specific and detailed reference has been made herein to a lowerplate 34, lower support base 36, U-bolt 37, U-bolt plate 38, andcoupling member 35 for providing a roller system 30 that allows foradjusting the lateral distance between opposing rows of roller pairs 31,any suitable structure and/or method for adjusting that distance may beused with various embodiments of the enclosed boat trailer 10 withoutlimitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Indeed,it is contemplated that enclosed boat trailers 10 configured as suchfrom the factory may not require at least the lower plates 34, lowersupport base 36, U-bolt 37, and/or U-bolt plate 38 depending on thespecific configuration, or may utilize other structures providing atleast the same features and/or functionality of those components asdisclosed herein. Such embodiments are fully within the scope of theenclosed boat trailer 10 without limitation unless otherwise indicatedin the following claims.

As is evident from contrasting the illustrative embodiment of anenclosed boat trailer 10 as shown in FIGS. 1B & 3A with the illustrativeembodiment shown in FIGS. 1C & 3B, various configurations of a rollersystem 30 may be used. By way of illustration, and without limitationunless otherwise indicated in the following claims, the illustrativeembodiment shown in FIGS. 1B & 3A may be comprised of three rollermounting beams 32 on each side of the centerline of the enclosed boattrailer 32. The two rearward-most roller mounting beams 32 on a givenside of the centerline (wherein each rearward roller mounting beam 32may be engaged with six roller pairs 31) may be horizontally spaced fromthe corresponding roller mounting beam 32 on the other centerline bysubstantially the same distance. The forward-most roller mounting beam32 on a given side of the centerline (wherein each forward rollermounting beam 32 may be engaged with two roller pairs 31) may also behorizontally spaced from the corresponding roller mounting beam 32 onthe other side of the centerline by substantially the same distance.However, the distance between the two corresponding forward-most rollermounting beams 32 may be less than the distance between twocorresponding rearward-most roller mounting beams 32 without limitationunless otherwise indicated in the following claims. It is contemplatedthat such a configuration may accommodate a relatively conventional boathull 18 a configuration having a relatively narrower width adjacent thebow compared to the width adjacent the stern.

By way of illustration, and without limitation unless otherwiseindicated in the following claims, the illustrative embodiment shown inFIGS. 1C & 3B may be comprised of four roller mounting beams 32 on eachside of the centerline of the enclosed boat trailer 32 and two centerrollers 33 positioned adjacent the rear opening 14. Each rearward-mostroller mounting beam 32 on a given side of the centerline (wherein eachrearward roller mounting beam 32 may be engaged with six roller pairs31) may be horizontally spaced from the corresponding roller mountingbeam 32 on the other centerline by substantially the same distance. Thetwo intermediate roller mounting beams 32 on a given side of thecenterline (wherein each intermediate roller mounting beam 32 may beengaged with six roller pairs 31) may be horizontally spaced from thecorresponding roller mounting beam 32 on the other centerline bysubstantially the same distance. However, the distance between the twocorresponding rearward-most roller mounting beams 32 may be less thanthe distance between two corresponding intermediate roller mountingbeams 32 without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the followingclaims. The forward-most roller mounting beam 32 on a given side of thecenterline (wherein each forward roller mounting beam 32 may be engagedwith two roller pairs 31) may also be horizontally spaced from thecorresponding roller mounting beam 32 on the other side of thecenterline by substantially the same distance. However, the distancebetween the two corresponding forward-most roller mounting beams 32 maybe less than the distance between two corresponding intermediate rollermounting beams 32 and may be greater than the distance between the twocorresponding rearward-most roller mounting beams 32 without limitationunless otherwise indicated in the following claims. It is contemplatedthat such a configuration may accommodate a relatively conventional boathull 18 a configuration having a relatively narrower width adjacent thebow compared to the width adjacent the stern.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boattrailer 10 may be configured with a winch 40, wherein the winch 40 maybe positioned generally toward the front of the enclosed boat trailer 10and ahead of the roller system 30. The winch 40 may be configured with aspool 42 and cable 44, wherein one end of the cable 44 may be configuredwith a hook to attach to an eyelet engaged with the front of a boat 18.The winch 40 may be powered, wherein the power control may be activatedand deactivated remotely, and the winch 40 may simultaneously beconfigured to allow for manual operation of so desired by the user.Generally, the winch 40 may be used and configured to pull the boat 18into the enclosed boat trailer 10 and over the roller system 30. It iscontemplated that remote activation and/or deactivation of the winch 40may further facilitate safe and efficient loading and/or unloading of aboat 18 from the enclosed boat trailer 10 by a single operator, whereinthe prior art would oftentimes require at least two operators to performthe same task or require a single operator to spend considerably moretime than compared to using the enclosed boat trailer 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 & 10, an illustrative embodiment of theenclosed boat trailer 10 pictured herein may be configured with a launchassist system 20. An illustrative embodiment of a launch assist system20 may be comprised of a wheel 24, wherein the wheel 24 may beconfigured such that it is biased against a portion of the hull of aboat 18 positioned within the enclosed boat trailer 10. The wheel 24 maybe engaged with a rotational power source, such as an electric motor 26.When the rotational power source is energized, the wheel 24 may turn,thereby urging the boat 18 in one direction or the other (i.e., into orout of the enclosed boat trailer 10) depending on the direction ofrotation of the wheel 24.

The wheel 24 may be mounted on a pivoting arm 21, wherein a first end ofthe pivoting arm 21 may be pivotally engaged with a portion of theenclosed boat trailer 10 and wherein the pivoting arm 21 may be biasedin a direction toward the hull of the boat 18 via a biasing member 22(e.g., mechanical spring, air spring, etc.) acting on the arm 21. Inthis manner adequate engagement between the surface of the wheel 24 andthe hull of the boat 18 may be ensured while simultaneously allowing theposition of the wheel 24 to adapt to the shape of the hull, the positionof the boat 18 with respect to the enclosed boat trailer 10, and/or todifferent boats 18. It is contemplated that the launch assist system 20may aide in initiating motion of the boat 18 out of the enclosed boattrailer 10 (such as when launching the boat 18 in a body of water) andmay also aide in ensuring the boat 18 is properly positioned within theenclosed boat trailer 10 when loading the boat 18 (which may beaccomplished in or with cooperation with the winch 40 as previouslydescribed above). The launch assist system 20 may be used with anysuitable embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer 10 as disclosed hereinor may be omitted in certain embodiments thereof without limitationunless otherwise indicated in the following claims.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, an illustrative embodiment of anenclosed boat trailer 10 may be configured with an extendable rear arm40 a, 40 b on either side of the enclosed boat trailer 10 at the rearportion thereof. The extendable arms 40 a 40 b may be configured to helpguide a boat 18 into and onto the roller system 30 and into the enclosedboat trailer 10 as described in further detail below.

The illustrative embodiment of an extendable arm 40 a, 40 b may beconfigured with a horizontal portion 42 and an upper portion 44.Generally, a right rear arm 40 a may be positioned on the right side ofthe rear opening 14 of the enclosed boat trailer 10 and a left rear arm40 b may be positioned on the left side thereof. The horizontal portion42 may be engaged with the floor 11 of the enclosed boat trailer 10 andangled with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. In an illustrativeembodiment the horizontal portions may be engaged with a cross plate 34a for additional rigidity and/or structural support without limitationunless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Generally, the upperportion 44 may extend upward and at an angle from the horizontal portion42. In an illustrative embodiment pictured herein, the upper portion 44may be engaged with the horizontal portion 42 such that they aregenerally perpendicular with respect to one another and form an L-shapedmember, but other angles and/or configurations may be used withoutlimitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Thehorizontal and upper portions 42, 44 may be separately formed and thenengaged with one another or integrally formed as one piece withoutlimitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.

The horizontal portion 42 may include a horizontal extender 42 a, suchthat the length of the horizontal portion 42 may be increased and/ordecreased within a certain predetermined range. Similarly, the upperportion 44 may include an upper extender 44 a such that the length ofthe upper portion 44 a may be increased and/or decreased within acertain predetermined range. In an illustrative embodiment, both thehorizontal extender 42 a and upper extender 44 a may be configured astelescoping box irons, but any suitable structure and/or method to varythe length of either the horizontal portion 42 or upper portion 44 maybe used without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the followingclaims.

As best shown in FIGS. 11C & 11D, the extendible arms 40 a, 40 b may beconfigured with a contact portion 46 on an upper of the upper portion44, wherein the contact portion 46 may be configured to engage a portionof the boat 18 without damaging the boat 18 and/or any component of theenclosed boat trailer 10. That is, the contact portion 46 may beconfigured to allow slideable engagement with the boat hull 18 a orother portions of the boat 18 during the loading and entry process.Accordingly, in an illustrative embodiment the contact portion 46 may beconstructed of a polymer and/or plastic material, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride,other synthetic materials, other natural materials, and/or combinationsthereof without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the followingclaims. Each contact portion 46 may be configured to extend from theupper portion 44 of the respective rear arm 40 a, 40 b forward throughthe rear opening 14 so as to prevent and/or mitigate damage that may becaused through unwanted contact of the boat 18 with a portion of theenclosed boat trailer 10 adjacent the rear opening 14 thereof withoutlimitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.

It is contemplated that during loading of a boat 18, the horizontalextenders 42 a may be extended away from the rear opening 14 of theenclosed boat trailer 10, as shown in FIGS. 11B, 11C, & 11D. The angleof the horizontal portions 42 with respect to the centerline of theenclosed boat trailer 10 provides an angled guide for the boat 18 toaide the boat 18 operator in centering the boat 18 with respect to theroller system 30 and/or enclosed boat trailer 10, wherein the openingbetween the upper portions 44 and/or contact portions 46 may be widerthan the rear opening 14 of the enclosed boat trailer 10 and wherein theupper portions 44 and/or contact portions 46 may extender rearwardbeyond the rear opening 14. The horizontal extenders 42 a may beretracted when not in use such that the rear doors 16 may be fullyclosed without interference from the rear arms 40 a, 40 b. Thehorizontal extenders 42 a may also be extended during unloading of aboat 18 without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the followingclaims.

The upper extenders 44 a may be extended and/or retracted for variousreasons, including but not limited to account for boats 18 of differentconfigurations (e.g., hull widths, heights, shapes, etc.) and ensurethat the contact portion 46 is the only touch point between the boat 18and the rear arms 40 a, 40 b. The upper extenders 44 a may also beextended and/or retracted to account for the angle of the enclosed boattrailer 10 and roller system 30 (that is, the pitch) with respect to theboat 18, which may vary at least depending on the terrain on which theenclosed boat trailer 10 is positioned during loading and/or unloading.

Accordingly, via the horizontal extender 42 a, the distance from andrelative angle with respect to the enclosed boat trailer 10 to which theextendable arms 40 a, 40 b extend may be adjustable, and the optimaldistance and angle thereof may vary from one application of the enclosedboat trailer 10 to the next and may be dependent at least on theconfiguration of the boat 18 for which the enclosed boat trailer 10 isdesigned. The height of the extendable arms 40 a, 40 b (and consequentlythe height of any contact portion 46 and/or other component engagedtherewith) may also be adjustable. Accordingly, the specificconfiguration, dimensions, angles, etc. of the extendable arms 40 a, 40b in no way limits the scope of the enclosed boat trailer 10 unlessotherwise indicated in the following claims.

Although the illustrative apparatuses and processes described anddisclosed herein may be configured for use with a specificallyconfigured roller system 30 comprised of two opposing rows of rollerpairs 31, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited andextends to any beneficial and/or advantageous use and/or configurationthereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.

The materials used to construct the apparatuses and/or componentsthereof may vary depending on the specific application thereof, but itis contemplated that polymers, synthetic materials, metals, metalalloys, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof may be especiallyuseful in some applications. Accordingly, the above-referenced elementsmay be constructed of any material known to those skilled in the art orlater developed, which material is appropriate for the specificapplication of the present disclosure without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the followingclaims.

Having described preferred aspects and embodiments of the variousprocesses and apparatuses disclosed herein, other features of thepresent disclosure will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, aswill numerous modifications and alterations in the embodiments and/oraspects as illustrated herein, all of which may be achieved withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.Accordingly, the apparatuses and methods and/or embodiments thereof aspictured and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, andthe scope of the present disclosure extends to all processes,apparatuses, and/or structures for providing the various benefits and/orfeatures of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the followingclaims, such as all similar apparatuses for allowing modification orimprovement of an enclosed boat trailer 10 including using the variouselements disclosed herein as part of the enclosed boat trailer 10 assuitable for the application.

While various apparatuses and methods according to the presentdisclosure have been described in connection with preferred aspects andspecific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to theparticular embodiments and/or aspects set forth, as the embodimentsand/or aspects herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive. Accordingly, the processes and embodimentspictured and described herein are no way limiting to the scope of thepresent disclosure unless so stated in the following claims.

Although several figures are drawn to accurate scale, any dimensionsprovided herein are for illustrative purposes only and in no way limitthe scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the followingclaims. It should be noted that the apparatuses and methods disclosedherein are not limited to the specific embodiments pictured anddescribed herein, but rather the scope of the inventive featuresaccording to the present disclosure is defined by the claims herein.Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occurto those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure.

Any of the various features, components, functionalities, advantages,aspects, configurations, process steps, process parameters, etc. of theapparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be used alone or incombination with one another depending on the compatibility of thefeatures, components, functionalities, advantages, aspects,configurations, process steps, process parameters, etc. Accordingly, anearly infinite number of variations of the present disclosure exist.Modifications and/or substitutions of one feature, component,functionality, aspect, configuration, process step, process parameter,etc. for another in no way limit the scope of the present disclosureunless so indicated in the following claims.

It is understood that the present disclosure extends to all alternativecombinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned,evident from the text and/or drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. Allof these different combinations constitute various alternative aspectsof the present disclosure and/or components thereof. The embodimentsdescribed herein explain the best modes known for practicing theapparatuses, methods, and/or components disclosed herein and will enableothers skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to beconstrued to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted bythe prior art.

Unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, it is in no wayintended that any process or method set forth herein be construed asrequiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly,where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed byits steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims ordescriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it isno way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holdsfor any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including but notlimited to: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps oroperational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization orpunctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in thespecification.

What is claimed is:
 1. An enclosed boat trailer comprising: a) a floorhaving a centerline along a length of said enclosed boat trailer; b) afirst wall extending upward from a first edge of said floor; c) a secondwall extending upward from a second edge of said floor; d) a roofconnecting an upper edge of said first wall with an upper edge of saidsecond wall; e) a rear opening formed at a rear end of said floor,wherein said rear opening is formed from said floor, said first wall,said second wall, and said roof, and wherein said rear opening has aheight and a width; f) a roller system engaged with said floor, saidroller system comprising: i. a first row having a first plurality ofroller pairs positioned to a left side of said centerline, wherein saidfirst plurality of roller pairs in said first row are pivotally engagedwith a left roller mounting beam; ii. a second row having a firstplurality of roller pairs positioned to a left side of said centerline,wherein said first plurality of roller pairs in said second row arepivotally engaged with a right roller mounting beam, wherein said firstrow and said second row are symmetrical with respect to said centerline,and wherein said first row and said second row are spaced from said rearopening by a first distance; g) a right rear arm poisoned adjacent to aright side of said rear opening, said right rear arm comprising: i. ahorizontal portion engaged with said floor, wherein said horizontalportion is angled with respect to said centerline; ii. an upper portionextending upward from and angled with respect to said horizontalportion; h) a left rear arm poisoned adjacent to a left side of saidrear opening, said left rear arm comprising: i. a horizontal portionengaged with said floor, wherein said horizontal portion is angled withrespect to said centerline; and, ii. an upper portion extending upwardfrom and angled with respect to said horizontal portion.
 2. The enclosedboat trailer according to claim 1 wherein said left roller mounting beamand said right roller mounting beam are further defined as being pivotalwith respect to said floor in a yaw dimension.
 3. The enclosed boattrailer according to claim 1 wherein said roller system furthercomprises a mounting beam rocker, wherein said mounting beam rocker ispivotally engaged with said left roller mounting beam.
 4. The enclosedboat trailer according to claim 2 wherein said first row furthercomprises a lower support base, wherein said lower support base ispositioned between said left roller mounting beam and said floor.
 5. Theenclosed boat trailer according to claim 4 wherein said first rowfurther comprises a coupling member positioned between said left rollermounting beam and said floor, wherein a first yoke of said couplingmember is engaged with said left roller mounting beam and a second yokeof said coupling member is engaged with said lower support base.
 6. Theenclosed boat trailer according to claim 1 wherein each roller pair insaid first plurality of roller pairs of said first row and said secondrow are further defined as comprising: a) a roller axle; b) a firstroller wheel pivotally engaged with a first end of said roller axle;and, c) a second roller wheel pivotally engaged with a second end ofsaid roller axle.
 7. The enclosed boat trailer according to claim 6wherein said roller axle of each roller pair in said first plurality ofroller pairs of said first row is further defined as being pivotallyengaged with said left roller mounting beam about an axis generallyparallel to said centerline.
 8. The enclosed boat trailer according toclaim 7 wherein said roller axle of each roller pair in said firstplurality of roller pairs of said second row is further defined as beingpivotally engaged with said right roller mounting beam about an axisgenerally parallel to said centerline.
 9. The enclosed boat traileraccording to claim 1 wherein said first row further comprises a secondplurality of roller pairs positioned to said left side of saidcenterline, wherein said second plurality of said roller pairs arepivotally engaged with a second left roller mounting beam, and whereinsaid second plurality of roller pairs are positioned between said firstplurality of roller pairs of said first row and a front of said enclosedboat trailer.
 10. The enclosed boat trailer according to claim 9 whereinsaid second row further comprises a second plurality of roller pairspositioned to said right side of said centerline, wherein said secondplurality of said roller pairs are pivotally engaged with a second rightroller mounting beam, wherein said second plurality of roller pairs arepositioned between said first plurality of roller pairs of said secondrow and said front of said enclosed boat trailer, and wherein ahorizontal distance between said left roller mounting beam and saidright roller mounting beam is greater than a horizontal distance betweensaid second left roller mounting beam and said second right rollermounting beam.
 11. The enclosed boat trailer according to claim 10wherein said first row further comprises a third plurality of rollerpairs positioned to said left side of said centerline, wherein saidthird plurality of said roller pairs are pivotally engaged with a thirdleft roller mounting beam, and wherein said third plurality of rollerpairs are positioned between said first plurality of roller pairs ofsaid first row and said rear opening of said enclosed boat trailer. 12.The enclosed boat trailer according to claim 11 wherein said second rowfurther comprises a third plurality of roller pairs positioned to saidright side of said centerline, wherein said third plurality of saidroller pairs are pivotally engaged with a third right roller mountingbeam, wherein said third plurality of roller pairs are positionedbetween said first plurality of roller pairs of said second row and saidrear opening of said enclosed boat trailer, and wherein a horizontaldistance between said left roller mounting beam and said right rollermounting beam is greater than a horizontal distance between said thirdleft roller mounting beam and said third right roller mounting beam. 13.The enclosed boat trailer according to claim 12 wherein said horizontalportion of said right rear arm is further defined as having a variablelength and further comprises a horizontal extender configured to providesaid variable length.
 14. The enclosed boat trailer according to claim13 wherein said upper portion of said right rear arm is further definedas extending beyond said rear opening when said variable length of saidhorizontal portion is at a maximum.
 15. The enclosed boat traileraccording to claim 14 wherein right rear arm further comprises a contactportion engaged with said upper portion of said right rear arm, whereinsaid contact portion extends from said upper portion of said right reararm through said rear opening when said variable length of saidhorizontal portion of said right rear arm is at said maximum.
 16. Theenclosed boat trailer according to claim 1 further comprising a launchassist system positioned within said trailer, wherein said launch assistsystem comprises: a) a biasing member; b) an arm pivotally engaged withsaid floor at a first end of said arm, wherein said biasing memberprovides a biasing force to said arm in a direction generally upwardfrom said floor; and, c) a wheel pivotally engaged with a second end ofsaid arm.
 17. A method of positioning a boat in an enclosed boattrailer, said method comprising the steps of: a) positioning a portionof said enclosed boat trailer adjacent a body of water; b) maneuveringsaid enclosed boat trailer such that a rear opening of said enclosedboat trailer is at least partially positioned in said body of water,wherein said enclosed boat trailer comprises: i. a roller system engagedwith a floor, said roller system comprising:
 1. a center rollerpositioned at a centerline of said floor, wherein said center roller isadjacent said rear opening;
 2. a first row having a first plurality ofroller pairs positioned to a left side of said centerline, wherein saidfirst plurality of roller pairs in said first row are pivotally engagedwith a left roller mounting beam;
 3. a second row having a firstplurality of roller pairs positioned to a left side of said centerline,wherein said first plurality of roller pairs in said second row arepivotally engaged with a right roller mounting beam, wherein said firstrow and said second row are symmetrical with respect to said centerline,and wherein said first row and said second row are spaced from said rearopening by a first distance; ii. a right rear arm poisoned adjacent to aright side of said rear opening, said right rear arm comprising:
 1. ahorizontal portion engaged with said floor and having a variable length,wherein said horizontal portion includes a horizontal extenderconfigured to provide said variable length, and wherein said horizontalportion is angled with respect to said centerline;
 2. an upper portionextending upward from and angled with respect to said horizontalportion, wherein said upper portion is positioned beyond said rearopening when said variable length of said horizontal portion is at amaximum; iii. a left rear arm poisoned adjacent to a left side of saidrear opening, said left rear arm comprising:
 1. a horizontal portionengaged with said floor, wherein said horizontal portion is angled withrespect to said centerline; and,
 2. an upper portion extending upwardfrom and angled with respect to said horizontal portion, wherein adistance between said upper portion of said right rear arm and saidupper portion of said left rear arm is greater than said width of saidrear opening; c) positioning said boat in said body of water adjacentsaid enclosed boat trailer; d) positioning a portion of said boatadjacent a bow of said boat between said left rear arm and said rightrear arm; and, e) moving said boat forward with respect to enclosed boattrailer along said roller system.
 18. The method according to claim 17wherein said enclosed boat trailer further comprises a launch assistsystem, said launch assist system comprising: a) a biasing member; b) anarm pivotally engaged with said floor at a first end of said arm,wherein said biasing member provides a biasing force to said arm in adirection generally upward from said floor; and, c) a wheel pivotallyengaged with a second end of said arm.
 19. The method according to claim18 further comprising the step of extending said horizontal portion ofsaid right rear arm to said maximum.